3 Realistic Draft Targets for Every NBA Team After 2026 Lottery Results
The ping-pong balls have spoken. The 2026 NBA draft lottery is finished.
Congrats are in order for the Washington Wizards, the proud recipient of the No. 1 pick in one of the more celebrated drafts in recent memory. Conversely, condolences are now due for the Indiana Pacers, who fell just far enough to lose their top-four protected pick to the Los Angeles Clippers and therefore wound up with no draft assets to show for their loss-stuffed gap year. Brutal.
With the lottery wrapped, though, there's no some clarity with this talent grab. Teams know where they'll be picking now—and so do we. That last bit is important as it helps shape educated guesses about who will hold their attention in their exact draft slot.
So, let's find three realistic draft targets for every team. (Yes, including the two that don't have any picks.) For franchises holding multiple selections, we'll just focus on finding prospects worth considering at their earliest pick slot.
Atlanta Hawks (Picks 8, 23, 57)
1 of 30
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Brown's one-and-run was a bit underwhelming, but a bad back was mostly to blame for his inconsistency, then maybe he's a buy-low option here. If he pans out, he's a 6'5" lead guard who can shoot from range, finish around the basket and fire off on-time, on-target deliveries off the dribble.
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
Flemings might best fit the floor general mold for the lead guard prospects in the latter half of this top 10. He is a true tone-setter on both ends, the kind of player you picture when you hear about the proverbial head of the snake. He is explosive on the move and methodical from mid-range. It's just not easy to set his scoring ceiling yet.
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
While the Hawks need to find their Trae Young replacement, they might not love the options left on the board. So, they could look to instead attack their need for size and interior oomph with Mara, a 7'3" mountain in the middle who can finish, block shots and make impressive passing reads.
Boston Celtics (Picks 27, 40)
2 of 30
Joshua Jefferson, PF, Iowa State
Win-now teams should be drawn to Jefferson's poise and polish. The 6'9", 240-pounder can play a bruising style around the basket, but he's just as comfortable creating plays away from it. If Boston believes in his outside shot (it looked better than ever this season), it could see him checking a number of boxes in this offense.
Luigi Suigo, C, Mega
Suigo is enormous (7'2", 250 lbs), and he's hoping to be the ultimate modern big. He wants to model his game after Victor Wembanyama, and you can see some of that amibition in his shooting and passing. He's also active on the interior as a rebounder, rim protector and finisher.
Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
The Celtics love a stretch big who unlocks five-out opportunities, and Veesaar offers one of the better size-shooting blends in this draft. He is a 7-footer with a fiery three-ball, but he's also an agile defender, a chain-linking passer and a bouncy finisher.
Brooklyn Nets (Picks 6, 33, 43)
3 of 30
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
The Nets need an alpha scorer, and Acuff might be up to that challenge. He doesn't offer much size or any defensive resistance, but his offense might be so elite that no one cares. He is a scoring threat from all over, plus a gifted passer and a natural leader.
Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Would No. 6 be a tad rich for Burries? Not necessarily, provided you believe his flashes of shot-creation can manifest into more over time. He should be an easy early contributor with physicality, three-level scoring and connective passing, but he could earn centerpiece status down the line if he's a go-to option at any point.
Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
Brooklyn added a billion playmakers at last year's draft; the Nets might love to land a play-finisher in this spot. Wagler would be underutilized if he isn't given some on-ball reps, but his feathery shot is absolutely built for an off-ball role. With time, though, it might be obvious that his combo of pace and speed changes, vision and instincts makes him Brooklyn's best on-ball option, too.
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Charlotte Hornets (Picks 14, 18)
4 of 30
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
If the Hornets don't feel compelled to chase upside, they could see plenty of appeal in Lendeborg. If his three-ball holds up, he has no obvious skill deficiencies—and an NBA-ready 6'9", 240-pound build with great length (7'4" wingspan) and athleticism. It's just that he'll turn 24 before his rookie season starts, so time isn't on his side.
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Charlotte formed a solid center rotation this last season, but the Hornets could want to aim higher. Mara would deliver that. He's enormous (7'3"), but more mobile than you'd think and with the passing instincts of a guard. His perimeter value might be next to nothing, but if he's controlling the interior, the Hornets may not mind.
Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
Another interior option is Steinbach, a polished post scorer with great hands and insatiable energy on the glass. There are flashes of perimeter shooting that definitely intrigue. If that becomes a consistent part of his arsenal, he could be a legitimately awesome screen partner for Charlottte's perimeter players.
Chicago Bulls (Picks 4, 15, 38, 56)
5 of 30
Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
Boozer might be the most polished prospect in this class—and he hasn't even turned 19 yet. There are some reasons to worry about his physical profile (especially on defense), but if he falls to the No. 4 spot, hindsight might say everyone overthrought this. He has won big at every level and boasts a deep skill set that features both knockout punches and knockout-powered counters if his first option doesn't work out.
Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
It isn't easy to picture Peterson slipping to No. 4, but it's happening in some mocks, so the possibility shouldn't be ruled out. And if it comes to fruition, this feels like a wish granted for Chicago. If Peterson's medicals are OK, he is exactly what this offense needs: a dynamic perimeter scorer who can handle, finish, shoot and defend.
Caleb Wilson, PF, North Carolina
The combined athleticism and versatility of a Wilson-Matas Buzelis forward combo could be ridiculous. And that's triply true if 2025 lottery pick Noa Essengue pans out. Wilson is a dunking machine, and he maximizes his physical tools by playing full-throttle at all times. He could be a major steal if his three-ball comes alive.
Cleveland Cavaliers (Pick 29)
6 of 30
Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
Johnson has an argument for being the best defender in this class, or at least its most versatile. He might have legitimate 1-through-5 switchability, and he can wreak havoc as a weakside helper. He is mainly a hustler and finisher on offense, but he has soft hands and hope of adding an outside shot.
Milan Momcilovic, SF, Iowa State
If the Cavs don't want to throw a dart and would rather fill a niche role here, they could see appeal in Mocilovic as a plug-and-play net-shredder. He's a 6'8" forward who just fired in 136 triples at a 48.7 percent clip. He is a shotmaker through and through, but he's also a limited athlete and exploitable defender, so Cleveland would have to want his shooting badly enough to live with his weaknesses.
Tounde Yessoufou, SG/SF, Baylor
Yessoufou is a tooled-up mystery box, but believers will say it's hard to find this much potential this late in the draft. He is explosive, physical and ferocious, and there are flashes of shotmaking that can really get the imagination going. But he's already not a playmaker, so there's a lot of pressure on his inconsistent outside shot to become a consistent weapon.
Dallas Mavericks (Picks 9, 30, 48)
7 of 30
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
The No. 9 spot is right after where Brown typically goes, but the difference is close enough to think there's a chance he could land here. And if he does, it might be an easy pick for Dallas. It'll need a primary shot-creator to pair with Cooper Flagg, and Brown might have that archetype's highest ceiling in this class.
Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
If the Mavs want someone who can contribute right away, Burries could be a target. If they prefer more of a long-term building block, Burries could be a target. His physicality, shot-making and hustle will all play right away, and his creation could really boost his profile over time.
Labaron Philon Jr., PG, Alabama
Philon's physical tools are pretty blah, but his skills look super sharp after running it back for his sophomore season at Alabama. He radically ramped up his scoring and table-setting while improving his shooting efficiency and keeping his turnovers in check. He could be a fun fit next to Flagg since he can generate offense or light the lamp as an off-ball shooter.
Denver Nuggets (Picks 26, 49)
8 of 30
Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
Questions about Peat's potential as a shooter and shot-creator have torpedoed his stock, but Denver could see a bargain in him. He offers a rare blend of physicality and feel, and you see that manifest in his off-ball movement, defensive impact and one-step-ahead passing.
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
The Nuggets need more shooters and shot-creators, and Stirtz can scratch both itches. He's a shooting threat both on the catch or off the dribble, and he's a reliable decision-maker who can limit mistakes and put his teammates into advantageous situations. He just isn't much of an athlete and will turn 23 before his NBA debut.
Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
The Nuggets might need a Peyton Watson replacement—his restricted free agency could get pricey—but even if they don't, they have a general need for more athleticism and defense on the perimeter. Swain provides both, plus he's a creative finisher with shooting upside.
Detroit Pistons (Pick 21)
9 of 30
Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
Non-Cade Cunningham creation is probably the Pistons' most glaring need, and that's where Anderson could immediately help. He is a crafty creator out of the pick-and-roll who can operate as everything from a pull-up marksman to a live-dribble passer to an off-ball sharpshooter.
Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke
With non-spacers flooding the frontcourt, Detroit will forever be hunting for shooting threats. That alone should push the Pistons toward Evans, but the growth he showed as a slasher and creator could land him near the top of their wish list.
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
If the Pistons don't mind sacrificing upside, they could see plenty of day-one appeal in Stirtz. He plays a near mistake-free style built around elite shooting, advanced decision-making and off-the-dribble scoring juice. If he isn't overwhelmed defensively, he could potentially suit up both behind and alongside Cunningham.
Golden State Warriors (Picks 11, 54)
10 of 30
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
This feels...perfect? The Warriors need a day-one contributor, and Lendeborg just flashes his polish and team-focused productivity while helping the Wolverines win the national title. The Warriors also need long-term upside, and the 23-year-old might offer more than his age implies, since he was such a late-bloomer and could hit another gear if his three-ball really ramped up.
Karim Lopez, PF, New Zealand Breakers
Lopez might offer another tightrope walk between instant impact and long-term potential. The 19-year-old has some NBA-ready traits (6'8", 225 lbs) and talents, but he could also rocket up his impact if he grows as a floor-spacer and on-ball creator.
Labaron Philon Jr., PG, Alabama
A score-first guard lacking great size or explosion may not be an obvious wish list-topper for a team following Stephen Curry's lead, but Golden State needs self-sufficient scorers, and Philon is one of the best in this draft. His defense also looked better when he had a lighter offensive load, so maybe his play could perk back up when he's on the floor with Curry.
Houston Rockets (Picks 39, 53)
11 of 30
Ryan Conwell, SG, Louisville
Conwell's skill tree doesn't have many branches, but his three-ball might be special enough that he doesn't need them. Over four collegiate seasons at four different colleges, he buried 347 three-pointers at a 37.6 percent clip.
Alex Karaban, SF/PF, Connecticut
As long as the Rockets are relying on Amen Thompson as a building block, they'll be on the lookout for long-range shooters. Karaban can light the lamp on spot-up shots and movement threes, and his sound instincts surface on timely cuts and low turnover counts.
Braden Smith, PG, Purdue
The Rockets lost their starting point guard (Fred VanVleet) to an ACL tear before the season and then spent the campaign looking like a club missing its starting point guard. If that motivates Houston to chase an offensive organizer, Smith's resume speaks for itself—the two-time first-team All-American capped his historic career as the NCAA's all-time career assists leader (1,103 in 149 contests).
Indiana Pacers (No Picks)
12 of 30
Ja'Kobi Gillespie, PG, Tennessee
Indy's backcourt depth would make it tough for any incoming guard to stand out, but maybe Gillespie could with his quick-strike scoring skills. He isn't big or super discening as a decision-maker, but he can heat up and score in myriad ways.
Baba Miller, PF, Cincinnati
Miller can look convincing—as long as you watch him do anything other than shoot. He is a fluid 6'11" forward who can handle and create, and he's comfortable and capable cycling through different defensive assignments. But if he had any shooting hope, he'd have been in the league already.
Tyler Nickel, SF, Vanderbilt
If the Pacers want to add to their perimeter punch, Nickel could help. The 6'7" swingman attempted nearly eight triples per night this season and still knocked them down at a 40 percent clip. His deep ball is for real; it's also maybe the only NBA tool he has.
Los Angeles Clippers (Picks 5, 36, 52)
13 of 30
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
L.A. just added Darius Garland at the deadline, so grabbing another offense-leaning, undersized guard feels less than ideal. At the same time, this feels too high in the draft to seriously factor in fit, so if Acuff is the highest-ranked prospect on the Clippers' board, he should be the pick. And given the kind of impact he could make as a scorer and intiator, there's a real chance he'll top the big board when they're on the clock.
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
Value-wise, this could be a reach, but Mara is a top-10 prospect on a lot of draft boards, and he'd be an obvious need-filler on the Ivica Zubac-less Clippers. Mara could have a rough go on the perimeter at both ends, but he could be a monster in the middle and a good enough passer to handle offensive-hub duties in the high post.
Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
If the Clippers feel pot-committed to Garland, they might not want to add another small, score-first guard here. Wagler isn't huge, but he should have enough size (6'6") and feel to fit in either guard spot. His shooting will give him off-ball value, but his on-ball creativity would add to this attack, too.
Los Angeles Lakers (Pick 25)
14 of 30
Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
L.A. should be set on stars, so maybe the draft focus is finding versatile role players to slot around them. Allen fits the glue-guy mold pretty easily. He doesn't have a standout skill, but he is (perhaps more importantly) also without any glaring weaknesses. He could help in a number of ways, especially if his outside shot comes alive.
Dailyn Swain, SG/SF, Texas
Assuming Austin Reaves is re-signed, the Lakers should be loaded with backcourt scoring and therefore more willing to roll the dice on a defense-first wing prospect. Swain is an athletic defensive playmaker and a dynamic downhill attacker. The question is what kind of shooting threat he can become, because he isn't much of one right now.
Henri Veesaar, C, North Carolina
Veesar's 225-pound frame needs filling out, but his skills look NBA-ready. He has real shooting touch (especially for a 7-footer) and enough length and athleticism to check the typical big-man boxes for rebounding, finishing and shot-blocking.
Memphis Grizzlies (Picks 3, 16, 32)
15 of 30
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
This would be an eyebrow-raising pick if it happened, but it feels like it any team falls in love with a prospect earlier than expected, Acuff just might be the one. Concerns with his size and defense are legitimate, but he has real star qualities on offense and a deep bag of scoring tricks. There's a universe in which Memphis opts to center its next chapter around him.
Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
The Grizzlies don't have an obvious offensive plan to transition out of the Ja Morant era, but adding Boozer would deliver it. He's such a gifted scorer from the paint to the perimeter, plus he's a crafty handler and a smart, instinctive passer. Memphis needs a centerpiece, and he might be the most obvious one in the draft.
Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
If Peterson reaches No. 3, the Grizzlies probably can't afford to pass up his potential as an elite shotmaker who can handle, create and defend. That's assuming, obviously, his medicals aren't alarming, but as long as that's the case, his appeal here should be significant.
Miami Heat (Picks 13, 41)
16 of 30
Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
The Heat weren't overloaded with perimeter scoring as it was, and now they could be looking at a future without either Norman Powell (unrestricted free agent) or Tyler Herro (extension-eligible). Carr could be an interesting way to attack this need. He's a fiery outside shooter with enough bounce to finish at the rim, and he uses that athleticism to make plays defensively, too.
Labaron Philon Jr., PG, Alabama
If Miami is in the market for a shot-creator, then Philon might be the top target here. He may not last this long, but if he does, it's easy to see the Heat coveting his slithery creation, quantity-plus-quality shooting and willingness to involve his teammates.
Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra just doesn't seem like the biggest Kel'el Ware believer, so Miami might have to get a more reliable center. That's kind of the sales pitch with Steinbach—nothing super flashy or exciting, but consistent activity underneath and constant energy.
Milwaukee Bucks (Pick 10)
17 of 30
Nate Ament, PF, Tennessee
This isn't technically set in stone, but it sure feels like the Bucks will use this pick to start forming their post-Giannis Antetokounmpo foundation. So, taking a big swing on someone like Ament might make a lot of sense. His season was a disappointment, but front offices won't quickly quit on a 6'10" teenager who can handle, shoot and pass.
Mikel Brown Jr., PG, Louisville
Brown's draft range feels a little wider than the other top guard prospects, which makes sense since his season was choppy and injury-impacted. Still, a 6'5" lead guard with his shooting range, pick-and-roll creativity and vision will always intrigue and could really impact a team if everything pans out.
Brayden Burries, SG, Arizona
Burries is an interesting target for the Bucks, because he might be a fit regardless what happens with Antetokounmpo. If the aim is to win sooner than later, Burries just showed all the ways he can do that while helping the Wildcats reach the Final Four. If this is more of a future-focused project, he'll get a chance to tap further into the on-ball responsibilities he was given only sporadically in college.
Minnesota Timberwolves (Picks 28, 59)
18 of 30
Christian Anderson, PG, Texas Tech
Point guard is probably Minnesota's weakest position now, and it could get even worse with free agency awaiting Ayo Dosunmu, Bones Hyland and Mike Conley (who could also exit via retirement). Anderson could help shore things up as a crafty pick-and-roll creator with maybe the best three-point shoot in the class.
Ebuka Okorie, PG, Stanford
Okorie is a blur with the basketball. If he isn't the fastest player in this draft, he's certainly on a very short list. He also has good enough feel to understand how to leverage that speed (and his pull-up threat) to consistently separate and create advantages.
Meleek Thomas, PG/SG, Arkansas
Anthony Edwards needs more offensive support, and Thomas has one of the more interesting profiles in this draft range. He is an ignitable shotmaker with unflappable confidence, and he offers some off-the-dribble utility and energetic defense.
New Orleans Pelicans (Pick 58)
19 of 30
Jaden Bradley, PG, Arizona
New Orleans probably has its point guard of the future with Jeremiah Fears, which only makes you wonder how long it'll hang on to point guard of the present Dejounte Murray. Throw in Jose Alvarado's deadline subtraction, and the Pels could stand to pick up a backup point guard. Bradley isn't much of a shooter, but he's a two-way tone-setter and reliable decision-maker.
Emmanuel Sharp, SG, Houston
Shooting has been a priority for the Pelicans for a while, and hope is fading fast that 2023 lottery pick Jordan Hawkins will do anything to address the shortage. If Sharp has an NBA skill—this late in the draft, some prospects just don't—it's distance shooting. He made 309 threes in college and converted his long-range looks at a 37.6 percent clip.
Aiden Tobiason, SG, Syracuse
There aren't many upside plays available in this range, but Tobiason could be an exception if he stays in this draft. He is a 6'6" wing with great length, big hops and the ability to impact both ends. He just needs to bring his outside shot along, but he could get interesting in a hurry if he does.
New York Knicks (Picks 24, 31, 55)
20 of 30
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
Frontcourt reinforcements could be a need with free agency awaiting Mitchell Robinson, but the Knicks might want Cenac even if Robinson returns. The best-case version of Cenac offers shotmaking and defense on the perimeter and finishing and shot-blocking underneath. His approach needs retinkering, but his blend of tools and talent is tantalizing.
Isaiah Evans, SF, Duke
Support spacers are always coveted, and Evans might be more than a three-point marksman. He'll do the bulk of his damage from distance, but his downhill game really came alive this season, and there's a blueprint for him to be helpful on defense.
Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
Advanced analytics loved Graves, and it isn't hard to tell why—provided, of course, you think the stats he posted as a mid-major reserve could all translate to an NBA role. That's a huge ask, obviously, but he was incredible touching all spots on the stat sheet and doing so efficiently.
Oklahoma City Thunder (Picks 12, 17, 37)
21 of 30
Yaxel Lendeborg, PF, Michigan
It'll be tricky for any rookie to crack this rotation, but Lendeborg's polish and versatility would give him a better chance than most. It's also worth pointing out that for everything Oklahoma City already has, it doesn't have a big, athletic, do-it-all forward like him.
Aday Mara, C, Michigan
At a certain point, the Thunder won't be able to pay everyone, and it's fair to wonder whether Isaiah Hartenstein, who has a $28.5 million team option next season and nothing beyond it, could wind up getting squeezed out. Mara could be an interesting replacement, since he shares the same passing feel and might be even more effective at the basket on both ends.
Jayden Quaintance, PF/C, Kentucky
If the Thunder treat this as another redshirt type of pick, they could take Quaintance now and give him all the time he needs to recover from the knee injury that ended his freshman season and wrecked his sophomore run. Prior to that ailment, he looked like a game-breaking defender who can alter shots around the rim and fly around away from it with impressive mobility for a bouncy 6'10", 255-pounder.
Orlando Magic (Pick 46)
22 of 30
Trevon Brazile, PF, Arkansas
Brazile might be more tools than talent, which is certainly not ideal when he's already 23 years old. That said, the tools could be special—he's big, long, bouncy and mobile—and his jumper finally came alive this season. He is probably only a role player, but hoping for anything more this late in the draft would be wildly ambitious.
Ryan Conwell, SG, Louisville
Even after paying a heavy premium for Desmond Bane, the Magic remain woefully undermanned with shooters. So, they could consider throwing a dart at Conwell. He's probably only a specialist at this level, but after splashing 320 threes at a 38.4 percent clip the past three seasons, he might be perfectly suited to help this group where it needs it most.
Keyshawn Hall, SF/PF, Auburn
The well-traveled Hall, who played at four schools in four seasons, filled it up at every stop. He can shred nets from range and bully smaller defenders around the basket. He doesn't provide much beyond point production, but Orlando is in pretty serious need of scoring support, so maybe that's not an issue.
Philadelphia 76ers (Pick 22)
23 of 30
Amari Allen, SF/PF, Alabama
Allen's outlook probably doesn't include super high-end outcomes, but it does include a good percent chance that he'll pan out. He looks like a 6'8" jack-of-all-trades, and that label is intended as a compliment. He is just capable or better at a lot of different things that help out a team.
Koa Peat, PF, Arizona
If Philly wants a little extra muscle up front, Peat can supply that. Plus, he'd bring two-way playmaking, great instincts and the willingness to fill a role. His lack of shooting and creation pushed his stock out of the lottery range, but the draft community might be overreacting at this point. He is a winner.
Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
The Sixers probably need short-term insurance behind Joel Embiid and a long-term succession plan for once he hangs them up. Steinbach is good enough to handle both roles. He would be an immediate source of interior scoring and rebounding, and his scoring range could really expand over time.
Phoenix Suns (Pick 47)
24 of 30
Jaden Bradley, PG, Arizona
If the Suns want to expand their options at point guard, they don't necessarily have to look outside the state. Bradley isn't much of a shooter, but he's an on-court leader who pressures his opponents on both ends of the floor.
Sergio de Larrea, PG/SG, Valencia
This probably should be too late for de Larrea, but if it isn't, the Suns should pounce on everyone else's mistake. He's a 6'5" creator, shotmaker and playmaker, and he'll add value both on or off the ball.
Richie Saunders, SG, BYU
If the Suns make any financially driven cuts to their core, they could be in the market for replacement role players. As soon as Saunders is ready to return from a February ACL tear, he could step into a specialist shooter's role.
Portland Trail Blazers (No Picks)
25 of 30
Nick Martinelli, SF, Northwestern
The Blazers, the only team who entered the lottery not in possession of a pick, could be left mining the undrafted ranks for hidden gems. Martinelli may not have NBA-level athleticism, but he's a skilled 6'7" scorer who just had his best shooting season to date.
Izaiyah Nelson, PF/C, South Florida
The Blazers might need another big with Robert Williams III entering unrestricted free agency, and there's a lot to like about Nelson as an athletic play-finisher. His passion is obvious and contagious, and his motor always runs hot. He could be an easy fit as a rim-runner.
Otega Oweh, SG/SF, Kentucky
There are questions about Oweh's shotmaking and creation, so some of the more obvious paths to NBA success won't be available to him. That said, he could still carve out a role built around energy and versatility, since he's a high-effort defender, a tireless cutter and a connective passer.
Sacramento Kings (7, 34, 45)
26 of 30
Darius Acuff Jr., PG, Arkansas
Sacramento may have slipped too far to get Acuff, but this is right on the cusp of his realistic range. If he makes it to the Kings, he almost certainly isn't getting past them. They not only need a long-term point guard, they need a new offensive direction after (predictably) getting nowhere with the Domantas Sabonis-DeMar DeRozan-Zach LaVine core. Acuff's best-case scenarios are some of the best on the entire board.
Kingston Flemings, PG, Houston
The Kings could have De'Aaron Fox flashbacks when they throw on Flemings' film. That blink-and-you-missed-him burst is the same, and Flemings is another net-shredder from mid-range. He could be the best pure point guard in this draft, and that might help ease concerns about his scoring potential.
Keaton Wagler, PG/SG, Illinois
This might be another wishful-thinking target, but maybe Wagler's lack of strength and burst leaves him on the board longer than thought. He'd be another great offensive conductor. He has deep shooting range, great processing skills and creativity. That combination can produce elite results on the offensive end.
San Antonio Spurs (Picks 20, 35, 42, 44)
27 of 30
Cameron Carr, SG, Baylor
Shooting feels like a standing need for the Spurs, since their top three guards are all shaky or worse from long-range. Carr could be an awesome finisher in the Alamo City with both his ignitable outside shot and hops around the hoop.
Allen Graves, PF, Santa Clara
If the analytics crowd sees something in Graves, it just feels like the Spurs probably see it, too. He has great feel and potentially special versatility for a 6'9" forward. He reads the court like a lead guard and shoots at awesome rates (51.2 percent overall, 41.3 percent from deep).
Morez Johnson Jr., PF/C, Michigan
This might be nightmare fuel for opposing offenses. The Spurs already have a defensive cheat code in Victor Wembanyama, but they could grow even more stingy on that end with Johnson. He looks capable of providing true five-position versatility, plus he's a chaos-creator from the weakside.
Toronto Raptors (Picks 19, 50)
28 of 30
Chris Cenac Jr., PF/C, Houston
The Raptors probably came out of their first-round defeat feeling less than great about their point guard and center spots. Cenac could be a target because he could man the middle or help out another big as a stretch 4. His athleticism shines, and it's easy to be drawn into his blend of length and mobility.
Hannes Steinbach, C, Washington
If Toronto wants a more traditional big, Steinbach is ready for significant minutes right now. He can control the interior, has great touch from close range and gets after it on the glass. If he continues growing as an outside shooter, he could really help out this frontcourt. The Raptors, in turn, might have the length and athleticism needed to cover up some of his worries on defense.
Bennett Stirtz, PG, Iowa
A plug-and-play shooter and shot-creator should hold obvious appeal for the Raptors. Stirtz may not have stardom in his future, but he could have a big impact on this offense with a dribble-pass-shoot skill set that'll play in primary and secondary roles.
Utah Jazz (Pick 2)
29 of 30
Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
Does a frontcourt featuring Jaren Jackson Jr., Lauri Markkanen and (a presumably re-signed) Walker Kessler have room for Boozer? If the Jazz have him highest on the board, they'll find a fit. Things could get clunky, but his talent is tremendous, and his winning pedigree could sell itself to an organization clearly looking to turn the corner.
Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
Not that fit should factor into picks this high, but Peterson might have the cleanest fit of any of the top prospects. The Jazz are stacked up front and have an ascending lead guard in Keyonte George, but there's an opening for Peterson to slot in as a shotmaker, support scorer and impact defender at the other guard spot.
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Is there any chance Dybantsa wiggles past the Wizards? In a word—uh, nah, probably not. But when it literally only takes one front office to break from the norm, it probably shouldn't be completely ruled out. If Washington somehow passed on Dybantsa, Utah would snatch him up in a hurry.
Washington Wizards (Picks 1, 51, 60)
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Cameron Boozer, PF, Duke
If only one name is needed here, it's probably not Boozer's. That said, if there are some discussions in the District, he'd clearly be a part of them. His physical limitations are what they are, but his skills are razor-sharp and super varied, especially for an 18-year-old.
AJ Dybantsa, SF, BYU
Debates are still theoretically going down about the No. 1 pick, but Dybantsa has been the consensus choice for a little while now. He looks and plays the part of the always highly coveted big-wing archetype, showing tremendous body control, explosion and scoring instincts. That alone might get him to stardom, and then he still has so much room to grow as a defender and distributor.
Darryn Peterson, SG, Kansas
Let's say Peterson's medicals come back spotless: Do the Wizards think back to when he was so often the one penciled into the No. 1 spot? His availability issues changed a lot, and he frankly wasn't always incredible when he played, but his profile still looks potentially great: elite shooter, willing and able defender, savvy playmaker and explosive finisher.
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